Remembering Rick Rypien

Winnipeg‘s new NHL team is mourning a loss worse than any it will face on the ice.  

Recently-signed winger Rick Rypien, who was familiar to local fans from his time with the Manitoba Moose, died suddenly Monday at his home in Alberta.  

It’s believed the veteran player took his own life, after a long battle with depression. 

It didn’t take much for Rick Rypien to leave a last impression on Corinne Van Meer. 

“He was one of my favourite players, and I was so excited to get that darn picture,” says the long time fan. “I remember one game when he came crashing into the boards right in front of us, and he just sort of looked up and I thought, ‘oh gee,’ said Meer.  

The man known for his fighting spirit died suddenly in his Alberta home Monday. He was only 27. 

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“I was hoping it was wrong and I think quite a few people were,” said Van Meer. 

Rypien was a fan favourite in Winnipeg, playing five seasons with the Manitoba Moose. He also served some ice time in a Vancouver Canucks jersey. 

He was excited to return to the MTS Centre this fall, this time as a Winnipeg Jet. 

“He started his career here and finished his career here and I think he gave a lot more to us than we gave to him,” said Winnipeg Jets assistant GM Craig Heisinger. 

But off the ice, the forward was battling depression. He took two leaves from the sport, including one following a high profile run in with a fan in Minnesota last year. 

While playing with the Moose last season, Rypien said he was confident he made progress in his personal life. 

“I have made alot of gains as a person and as an individual with myself, and I got to really understand and have a relationship with myself, which I never had the opportunity to do before,” said Rypien in an interview. 

Those close to him knew the challenges the young player faced, and tried to support him any way they could. They now hope he is at peace. 

“Either something happened really quickly, or we all missed the boat,” said Heisinger. “At the end of the day, if Rick is a lot happier today than he was yesterday than I am happy for him.”